Paper based microfluidic devices for environmental diagnostics

Abstract

Microfluidics has found widespread application in the fields of molecular biology, DNA analysis and most recently, point of care diagnostics. We present a paper based microfluidic device for rapid, in-the-field detection of pathogenic bacteria in water. Conventional detection methods require a 24 hour culturing step, making them incapable of providing real time results. This means communities are allowed to continue using contaminated water until a result is obtained and a warning is issued. By then, it may be too late to prevent illness. The device makes use of the natural recognition properties of antibodies for antigens and uses nano-gold particles to create a visual test result. The device is designed using design programmes and manufactured using solid ink printing technology. Initial targeted users include municipal field workers and waste water treatment plants.